This document is available in PDF format! Click here (http://forums.solidsignal.com/docs/Hands on with C31.pdf) to download.

It's about time. We've been talking about RVU (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://forums.solidsignal.com/content.php/140-RVU-The-biggest-thing-since-Multi-Room-Viewing&sa=U&ei=r3Q2UPmmKMmfyAGE_4DwBw&ved=0CBcQFjAH&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGf6BqRRR_fkp1SYmBHEwHqRkN1zA) for a long time. DIRECTV's HR34 (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=HR34&d=DIRECTV-HR34-RVU-Server-for-Whole-Home-HD-DVR-(HR34)-) is the first device on the market to use this technology, and the idea is that RVU-enabled TVs and set-top boxes will let the HR34 do all the work. This keeps costs down and also keeps the racket down... smaller devices don't need big fans like DVRs do.

So far, the only way to use RVU is with a 2011-model Samsung Smart TV. We reviewed that solution back in February (http://blog.solidsignal.com/content.php/167-Hands-on-with-DIRECTV-Samsung-s-RVU-solution!) and it wasn't ready for prime time. We went back to it a few months later (http://forums.solidsignal.com/content.php/338-UPDATED-DIRECTV-and-Samsung-s-RVU-solution) and it was better, but not perfect. We even bragged that there would be something better (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://forums.solidsignal.com/content.php/408-There-WILL-be-an-RVU-client-this-year&sa=U&ei=BHY2UM7hDcSByAGtwYDwCA&ved=0CA8QFjAE&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGAZZVXZhhz0fG9kcm_yBRhUhzHSA) this year.

Finally, DIRECTV has released its C31 client. This isn't a receiver really. It attaches to a satellite line and communicates with an HR34. The HR34 does all the recording and playback and the C31 is used to get that stuff to the TV. The result is that it acts like a DVR: You can pause live TV, search for programs, even use DoublePlay and you'd think you were using a DVR. The difference is it's really tiny and really quiet.

Stuart Sweet

08-23-2012, 02:33 PM

http://forums.solidsignal.com/auximages/DSCN1294.png

Believe it or not, this is the C31 on top of a DIRECTV H25 receiver (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=H25&d=DIRECTV-H25-High-Definition-MPEG-4-Receiver-(H-25)&sku=8546300061). That little box is the C31. As you can see, it's about half the size of the H25, and the H25 is pretty tiny all by itself.

http://forums.solidsignal.com/auximages/DSCN1296.png

If you don't believe me, take a look at the same two receivers from the front. You can clearly see this is an H25.

Stuart Sweet

08-23-2012, 02:37 PM

http://forums.solidsignal.com/auximages/DSCN1261.png

There's not a lot to look at with this little box. The front panel has one button on it. Quite a change from the old days when there were 15 or more buttons on the front. It will work with an RF or IR remote, but you do have to use a remote.

http://forums.solidsignal.com/auximages/DSCN1252.png

The power button lights up when the C31 is in use. To the right of it is a network light that glows green when the C31 is connected to an HR34.

http://forums.solidsignal.com/auximages/DSCN1270.png

C31s use the same power adapters as H25s. This keeps the C31 cooler and also allows it to be really really tiny. Of course, the H25 power brick looks humongous next to the C31.

http://forums.solidsignal.com/auximages/DSCN1275.png

The only other button is the reset button, tucked into the side. It doesn't stick out at all, so if the C31 is behind the TV it can be a little rough to get to. Luckily this box doesn't have a need for a reset very often and when it does, it boots in under 30 seconds.

Stuart Sweet

08-23-2012, 02:45 PM

http://forums.solidsignal.com/auximages/DSCN1276.png

Even though this receiver is tiny, there's a lot going on behind it. Of course, there's a coax input. Because the HR34 is SWM-only, and because you need an HR34, this box is SWM-only too. The next connector is for a component or composite connection. Our H2510PIN (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=H2510PIN&d=DIRECTV-H2510PIN-10-Pin-to-Component-Dongle-for-DIRECTV-H25-(H2510PIN)-18-94A1CS-008-01) dongle for H25s works fine, and there will be one for composite as well.

Of course there is the requisite HDMI connector, and as we always see, DIRECTV insists on adding a USB port that does absolutely nothing. I've often wondered why that is. Perhaps it's used in testing.

If you do want to connect to an external AV receiver that doesn't pass HDMI, there is a digital audio port. If you need optical, we have an adapter (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=40018&d=Cables-To-Go-400-18-Coaxial-to-Optical-Digital-Audio-Converter-(40018)) that works for that.

The only other connection is for power. For some reason the power light is VERY BRIGHT and it's always on. It doesn't have any effect on the C31 if you cover it with electrical tape.

Stuart Sweet

08-23-2012, 02:51 PM

http://forums.solidsignal.com/auximages/Capture_c31.png

Pairing a C31 with an HR34 starts with going to the HR34 and pressing {MENU}.

From there, go to Settings&Help, Settings, Whole-Home, Add A Client. A PIN will be displayed on the screen.

Power up the C31 and you will be prompted to enter that PIN. Really that's all there is to it.

Another nice feature of all RVU boxes is that you can copy settings from another box, including the HR34 itself. This means you don't have to redo your favorites lists and other common settings. The series manager and playlist are provided by the HR34 and you can schedule recordings and manage your to-do list right from the C31 just like you were in front of the HR34.

Stuart Sweet

08-23-2012, 03:05 PM

In one sentence: It's like being in front of the HR34, without the size or noise.

The C31 works just like the HR34. It does 3D, it has apps, everything. The speed was almost exactly the same as the HR34. There's a little lag when you first turn it on and again when you go to the menu or guide but that's it. Fast forward and rewind are just as fast as if you are in front of the HR34. It's A LOT better than the Samsung TV.

It's totally silent and disappears behind the TV. There will be a wall mount for it as well, but it wasn't available for review. Overall, this is a really impressive little box. It's just what you want for a bedroom or spare room. It's small enough that it will fit between the screen and the base of most TVs, It's just as fast as you need it to be.

Of course, the H25 is a great little receiver, but it doesn't pause live TV. This does. H25s also have a sort of "not quite there" search system. This uses the same search as HR34.

There really is no downside to this little box. If there is anything to say at all, you must have an HR34, and your wiring must be in really good shape. It uses coax networking to get all its information -- even menus -- from the HR34, so loose wires or improper termination will cause havoc. Of course, the HR34 is SWM-only, so you must have SWM to use the C31. The good news is that it doesn't add to your tuner count, meaning that on one SWM-8 you could have an HR34, HR24, H25, and still have the ability to add three C31s.

The HR34/C31 system is designed for up to 3 clients and 1 HR34. There are rumors that you can add more clients but just not use them all at the same time, like DISH's Hopper/Joey system. Unlike Hopper which has only 3 tuners, this system does allow for 4 TVs in use all at the same time.

Stuart Sweet

08-23-2012, 03:08 PM

If you'd like to see the C31 in action, check out this video. No sequences were shortened, this is just a raw feed of someone pushing buttons.

http://youtu.be/0fiexQmJkt8

The C31 will be available at SolidSignal.com soon.

Stuart Sweet

08-30-2012, 12:26 AM

Do you have questions about the C31? Ask away!

viclovr

08-30-2012, 12:50 AM

does it get caller id info from the hr34?

Stuart Sweet

08-30-2012, 12:55 AM

Yes it does.

JACKIEGAGA

08-30-2012, 10:05 AM

Can you record from a C31? Are there plans so you can add more than 3 C31's?

Stuart Sweet

08-30-2012, 10:13 AM

You can record from a C31. It works just like sitting in front of an HR34. I believe that you can have up to 3 C31s on the account, I don't think it's a technicial limitation because you could pull up to 5 tuners... it's just a DIRECTV rule.

Scott K.

08-30-2012, 02:23 PM

Are there any out in the wild yet? Any pictures to share?

Stuart Sweet

08-30-2012, 02:32 PM

I don't know. They are just going into homes today for the first time... I wonder if any of our readers will get one.

Stuart Sweet

08-30-2012, 02:54 PM

There is one more undocumented feature as well. If you're watching live on the HR34 and turn that DVR off, then go to the C31, you have the buffer from the HR34 as long as you don't wait more than about 5 minutes.

In other words:

Watching Jeopardy, you turn off the HR34 at 7:45. You go to the C31 at 7:47 and turn it on, and change the channel to Jeopardy. You can rewind back past 7:47. Works the other way, too... from C31 to HR34.

SFSC

08-30-2012, 04:01 PM

Looks great! OTA question...I have an AM21N at my HR34. Could I distribute live OTA's thru my coax network and view thru the clients?

Stuart Sweet

08-30-2012, 04:03 PM

While I haven't done this personally, I'm told yes, it works. Several sources that I trust have told me that if you use the AM21 on the HR34, you get your antenna locals on the C31.

VOS

08-30-2012, 04:35 PM

Let's say this is straight from the horse [you can pick which end :lol: ], it does work as I just rechecked my OTA on the 34 to C31.

SFSC

08-30-2012, 04:58 PM

Novice here so be careful. Just to be clear, I'm asking about live OTA, not recorded OTA playing back from the HR34...

Let's say this is straight from the horse [you can pick which end :lol: ], it does work as I just rechecked my OTA on the 34 to C31.

Novice here so be careful. Just to be clear, I'm asking about live OTA, not recorded OTA playing back from the HR34...

Live OTA, yes. That's what I've been told. VOS, can you confirm?

LIVE OTA TO C31 "yes"

Groundhog45

08-31-2012, 01:29 AM

Here's another one.

Scott K.

08-31-2012, 07:35 AM

Thanks for the pics!

Stuart Sweet

08-31-2012, 09:14 AM

Groundhog45, did yours come with a backlit remote? I don't know what the production ones will come with.

Groundhog45

08-31-2012, 11:23 AM

It did not come with a remote. I just put that there to help show the size. I already had the remote.

whitewolf8214

08-31-2012, 02:48 PM

Any price on this? thank you for help :)

viclovr

08-31-2012, 03:39 PM

i wonder what the usb is for. it must be meant for something since its one of the few things that they left on it. maybe its for an expansion pack in the future?
guess we will have to wait and see.

as an afterthought i wonder if the am21 will work on it? meaning not hook it up to the hr34 but to the c31. dunno y someone would want to do it that way though.

Stuart Sweet

08-31-2012, 04:43 PM

Well I can answer half of that. The AM21 won't work when connected to the C31.

As for the USB, every DIRECTV DVR I've seen since '03 and most receivers have had these USB ports. To be honest with you it's a little irksome. I have used them to charge my portable electronics. At one point someone suggested to me that they were used for pre-release testing but that seems odd too.

I'll admit that on the C31 they seem especially out of place considering the small amount of real estate on the back panel. But at least for now, they do nothing.

Stuart Sweet

08-31-2012, 04:45 PM

Any price on this? thank you for help :)

I've heard rumors but nothing firm yet. As soon as we have a price it will be published here:

if the hr34 is recording 5 shows at one time. can the c31 watch either live tv or a recording?

Stuart Sweet

08-31-2012, 05:18 PM

If you are recording 5 things, the C31 will come up tuned to one of the channels you're recording. If you try to change the channel, you'll get a cancel recording menu. Here's a quick iPhone pic I just did.

609

Stuart Sweet

08-31-2012, 05:20 PM

You can also watch a recording. The limitation right now is on the number of streams. If you have 4 C31s, and you try to turn them all on at the same time, it won't work. I don't have 4 C31s so I can't show you, but I know it won't work.

viclovr

08-31-2012, 05:50 PM

is whole home service needed to operate the client?

Stuart Sweet

08-31-2012, 06:02 PM

Not from a technical point of view no. I'm not sure what the decision will be from DIRECTV.

Carl6

09-01-2012, 09:43 AM

Regarding the USB port, I know that on receivers and DVRs it can be used for serial data control of the box (such as in high end home automation systems). That is at least one of the primary functions of the USB port. Does that work with the C31?

whitewolf8214

09-01-2012, 11:35 AM

thank you very much for your help Solid Signal I appreciate it :)

whitewolf8214

09-01-2012, 11:35 AM

I can't wait for it comme out it will be a great thing to have and I plan on getting one :)

Stuart Sweet

09-01-2012, 11:54 AM

Regarding the USB port, I know that on receivers and DVRs it can be used for serial data control of the box (such as in high end home automation systems). That is at least one of the primary functions of the USB port. Does that work with the C31?

Good question... I'll ask some friends and let's see what they say.

viclovr

09-01-2012, 04:38 PM

so looking at it. when u turn on a client with 2 connected but only one auth on hr34. u can have one c31 in ur bedroom and one in ur office. when ur not using the one in the bedroom, u can use the office one. then when u go to ur bedroom u can us it to take over the client auth from the office unit. so basically have 2 rooms connected for the price of one. but of course cant have both on at the same time.

Stuart Sweet

09-01-2012, 04:58 PM

It could work that way but then you would have to go through the authorization process of adding a client every time. It could be done, but it would make sense to have two clients authorized if you are going to use them frequently. For a guest room, I could see having an unauthorized client, so you aren't paying for it when you aren't using it.

viclovr

09-01-2012, 05:19 PM

im assuming then that its owned since u can have 6 connected but only 3 auth. so at any given time 3 will be not in use vs a leased unit if u turn the services off on it u have to return it.

Stuart Sweet

09-01-2012, 05:30 PM

I think that is how they will do it but I am not 100% certain... They might not have decided that yet

Stuart Sweet

09-01-2012, 06:08 PM

Ok Carl6, here's your answer: you can not use the USB port for serial control. I should also point out the iPad cannot be used as a remote for the c31.

viclovr

09-01-2012, 06:24 PM

wanting to be sure. if all tuners are taken by the clients and hr34 itself. can a h25 pull the recordings from the hr34 at the same time?

Stuart Sweet

09-01-2012, 06:40 PM

I don't have enough clients to test this for myself but I believe that there is a maximum of 3 streams of any kind from the HR34 at the same time. So if you are using 3 c31s you wouldn't be able to use the HR34 for multiroom viewing.

viclovr

09-01-2012, 06:41 PM

in addition if it can, can all tvs the hr34, rvu clients, and the h2* thats aslo connected all view recordings at the same time?

edit -sorry i didnt c ur post

edit 2 - but i have heard that even if the hr34 is recording on all of the tuners that it can still share via mrv

Stuart Sweet

09-01-2012, 06:55 PM

If its recording on all 5 tuners, the c31s can watch one of the channels that are being recorded. To my knowledge, a maximum of four recordings (one must be on the Hr34 itself) can be played from the HR34 at the same time. The HR34 can also pull down 1 program on demand at the same time it is recording from the satellite.

dmark1867

09-02-2012, 10:11 PM

I just signed up for directv as a new user (and for that matter a new user to these forums).

I have one hdtv and 2 old school tv's. They are sending me one HR34 and two C31 clients. They said that the C31 clients will come with a RC70 remotes. I googled these and they look a little funky so I am interested to see what I actually get.
I think the fact that it passes caller id data is pretty sweet, since I will have the HR34 close to a landline connection.

I am concerned about one thing, the 2 standard def tv's that I plan on connecting this to do not have component inputs, just old school coax, composite, and S video. So this leads me to my next question, you state that there will be a composite connection dongle, do you have any information on this? I am worried that my installer will show up and not have a clue about this and I will be SOL. I have looked online and can't find anything. Also any information about a dongle that would have S video? I know i really just need to get new tv's, which I will at some point. Thanks for the information you have posted, it really has helped out, a lot.

spartanstew

09-02-2012, 10:17 PM

I"m worried that your installer will show up without C31's, as I don't believe they're available yet.

dmark1867

09-02-2012, 10:44 PM

I"m worried that your installer will show up without C31's, as I don't believe they're available yet.

Yeah, that wouldn't shock either (of course not much does these days). To my surprise the csr was the one who brought up the C31 client (i was planning on going with one hr34 and two hr24's).
Only time will tell, my install date isn't until Sept 25th (not there fault, no time on my side), so maybe that will help? The CSR seemed very insistant that the installer would indeed have them, but then again they sometimes tell you what ever.

Interesting in finding out more about the remotes that are compatible with the C31 and the various dongles that will be available (in addition to the current component adaptor).

Groundhog45

09-02-2012, 11:05 PM

The C31 can use the same dongle as the H25 to connect to a component TV and supposedly DirecTV will also have available a dongle that will work for composite. I don't know if those are available yet, but I assume Solid Signal will have them when they are released. The installers may or may not have them. I wouldn't expect them to be too widely available when the C31s are first out.

Stuart Sweet

09-02-2012, 11:40 PM

Of course the c31 won't be in wide distribution for a little while. We at Solid Signal are already working on getting the SD dongles and we already have the HD dongles in stock:

Because they are the same ones that work with the H25. I can't guarantee that DIRECTV field services personnel will be fully trained, but I know they are supposed to get that training very soon.

Stuart Sweet

09-02-2012, 11:41 PM

Oh, and as far as the remotes, the regular RC65 will work, and if you are using a universal remote, choose any DIRECTV DVR, the codes are the same.

viclovr

09-03-2012, 12:57 AM

Oh, and as far as the remotes, the regular RC65 will work, and if you are using a universal remote, choose any DIRECTV DVR, the codes are the same.

aint the rc70 meant for the samsung rvu tvs anyway?

Stuart Sweet

09-03-2012, 01:04 AM

The rc70 is only intended for the Samsung tv and will not work with the C31 (I tried.)

dmark1867

09-03-2012, 10:24 AM

Thanks for the reply, any guess as to a timeframe when you might receive a SD Dongle?

Stuart Sweet

09-03-2012, 01:51 PM

We don't have a date from our distributors yet but we hope we have the SD dongles to sell on the same day we're allowed to sell the C31s.

dmark1867

09-03-2012, 03:37 PM

Oh, ok, I hope it is soon, I don't suppose you have a date for the C31 that you are allowed to start selling them? I get if the installer does not have the SD dongle, I guess for now I could get a HDMI to Composite Video Converter at Monoprice

Stuart Sweet

09-03-2012, 05:18 PM

Believe me, we're pushing as hard as we can to get them.

nismozz

09-25-2012, 10:42 PM

will having these clients be a monthly charge of $6 for each client? Or free its not a receiver so i would think u wouldn't get charged for it but you are viewing service on it so then i dont know what do you guys think.

Stuart Sweet

09-25-2012, 11:13 PM

Yes there will be a $6 per month for each client. That's how it is for the RVU televisions.

Zoran

10-08-2012, 02:48 AM

Are these available? And is it like UVerse TV little portable wireless receiver to take your directv to any room?
I do need a gadget to do so, so, no cables and no extra charges for receiver or DVR?

Scott K.

10-08-2012, 08:42 AM

Right now they are available to new customers in select markets. The C31 is a wired client that uses the same rg6 as the other receivers, there are no wireless clients available at this time.

Stuart Sweet

10-08-2012, 10:21 AM

Right now your options for using wireless would be the DIRECTV App for iPad, or a Slingbox with a connected device of some kind. Some people have reported success by using a Wireless Cinema Connection Kit with the C31, hooked up so the coax from the WCCK goes into the C31, but that is definitely an unsupported solution.

Stuart Sweet

10-12-2012, 04:21 PM

This is now known as the Genie Client.

decodave

10-15-2012, 04:38 PM

Looks great! OTA question...I have an AM21N at my HR34. Could I distribute live OTA's thru my coax network and view thru the clients?

When I tried my AM21 with the HR34 it said "cannot find SWM"

decodave

10-15-2012, 04:42 PM

The remote needs to be a RF type

Stuart Sweet

10-15-2012, 04:45 PM

It sounds like it's not hooked up properly. Could you describe how you hooked it up?

The antenna line goes into the AM21, and the satellite line goes into the HR34. The USB cable connects the two, and you plug the power from the wall, to the AM21, and then to the HR34. When the HR34 boots it should enter satellite setup.

As for the RF remote, you can use the DIRECTV RF remote but it is sold separately: DIRECTV RC65RBX Universal RF/IR Back Lit Remote for H25 /HR24 and All Preceding Receivers from Solid Signal (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=RC65RB&d=DIRECTV-RC65RBX-Universal-RF/IR-Back-Lit-Remote-for-H25-/HR24-and-All-Preceding-Receivers)

decodave

10-15-2012, 04:50 PM

HR units are supposed to come with a RF remote.

And as stated if you download from on demand, you can really record 6 shows at once.

Stuart Sweet

10-15-2012, 04:52 PM

The C31 does not come with an RF remote.

spartanstew

10-16-2012, 09:53 PM

As for the RF remote, you can use the DIRECTV RF remote but it is sold separately: DIRECTV RC65RBX Universal RF/IR Back Lit Remote for H25 /HR24 and All Preceding Receivers from Solid Signal (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=RC65RB&d=DIRECTV-RC65RBX-Universal-RF/IR-Back-Lit-Remote-for-H25-/HR24-and-All-Preceding-Receivers)

Should probably add the HR34 and C31 to the RC65RBX info page, eh?

Stuart Sweet

10-16-2012, 09:56 PM

You're right. That will be fixed in the morning.

mmatarella

01-10-2013, 03:12 PM

Q: What if I am moving back and forth while watching a recorded show, between two C31 clients. Is there a way to pause and pick up at the other tv at that point in the show? Without having to start at the begining and FFWD to that point, or will the other client only be able to start at the begining as a seperate view ? My girlfriend bounces between her office and our patio during a one hour show and does this alot. Currently we accomplish this with a little remove A/V sender unit, and a second Tivo remote outside with the recv'r and second TV.

I'd be very interested if we could do this type of thing amongst ALL the different sets!

Thanks in advance,
Mark

Stuart Sweet

01-10-2013, 03:16 PM

When you press stop on either the server or the client, you can go to another client and pick up exactly where you left off. Just go the the playlist and press play. You also have the option to start over if you want. It works great.

mmatarella

01-10-2013, 03:23 PM

Wow, fast respone and thanks. Sounds like this might be exactly the setup I want. Been doing DVR's since the Panasonic branded ReplayTV's back in the stone age. :-)

Thanks again!
Mark

russahouse

01-20-2013, 07:04 PM

I'm going to be honest here. Love DIRECTV and my Genie (HR34) but both the HD DVR (HR22) and the Genie Client (C31) in my whole-home setup are not very responsive and have issues. Specifically, the HD DVR locks up on the screen saver (paused live TV) and the client locks up when you press jump ahead (30 sec) more than once. I'm willing to work through the bugs because of the great capabilities of this system but I do have some upset users that happen to do a lot of things for me and expect me to get this right.

Stuart Sweet

01-20-2013, 07:13 PM

I know that dealing with the issues with the Client are priority #1 at DIRECTV..

thegreatonechad

04-13-2013, 03:09 PM

I had the genie setup a month ago and now I am going to add a c31 client. I have ordered it. When I get it and connect it do I just call directv to activate it?

Stuart Sweet

04-13-2013, 03:42 PM

That is all you need to do, yes.

ncdthree

08-19-2013, 12:26 PM

I'm looking to add two c31's to my existing hr34 and I'd like to clarify the connections. I assume that you use a SWM splitter on the line that currently feeds the hr34, then reconnect a line to the hr34, and then run lines to the "network" coax input on the c31's...correct? (Then connect the power to each c31.) Then, you go into the hr34 settings to add each client. Correct?

Is that all there is to it? (How does the hr34 relay info to the c31's?)

Stuart Sweet

08-19-2013, 12:36 PM

That's pretty much all there is to it, you're right. There are some limitations: I wouldn't run more than about 150' of cable and I wouldn't hook up more than 3 clients at the same time. You can hook up 8 if you want but you can only use 3 at a time.

Here's a tutorial on how to add the client: Solid Signal Blog - The simple guide to adding a Genie Client (http://blog.solidsignal.com/content.php/964-The-simple-guide-to-adding-a-Genie-Client)

The C31s and HR34 use a technology called RVU. It's a special kind of multimedia networking where the HR34 does all the work generating audio and video (even in the menus) and the C31 does nothing more than decrypt the final signal, display it, and relay remote commands. It means the Genie Clients can be very small because they don't need a lot of electronics to get the job done.

There are a lot of articles, including some on RVU, in our guide here: Solid Signal Blog - The ultimate guide to DIRECTV Genie and RVU (http://forums.solidsignal.com/content.php/1026-The-ultimate-guide-to-DIRECTV-Genie-and-RVU)

ncdthree

08-19-2013, 01:20 PM

Excellent. Thanks for the reply.

Two more questions...

1) I was given a DirecTv splitter by the installer when my hr34 was put in. Understanding what I was looking to do in the future (in installing c31's), he told me it was the right splitter for the job. Any insight on how I can make sure I have the right item?

2) I also have a HDDVR in another room (in addition to the hr34 in the living room). Does this change or complicate my setup of adding two c31's to my living room setup? (I don't think it does, but I just want to confirm.)

Thanks again.

Stuart Sweet

08-19-2013, 01:24 PM

The correct splitters have a green sticker on them and either have a DIRECTV logo or say they are from Prime Electronics. Here's an article about that: Solid Signal Blog - What's the deal with splitters from Prime Electronics? (http://blog.solidsignal.com/content.php/1906-What-s-the-deal-with-splitters-from-Prime-Electronics)

Really having another HD DVR in the mix doesn't make any difference in most cases.

ncdthree

08-19-2013, 02:32 PM

I figured as much on both items. I'll check the splitter when I get home tonight.

Thanks again. You've been a great help.

ncdthree

08-21-2013, 07:07 PM

Ok, one more question...The splitter appears to be exactly what I need, a 4-Way SWM splitter. However, it has a "DC Power Pass" marking a red line from the "IN" to the first splitter "OUT." Both of these connections are red on the inside of the connection points, versus yellow on the other three "OUT's". I'm sure this makes sense to you, but I want to make sure I connect this correctly. Obviously, the "IN" is the line in that is currently feeding the Genie. Does the red "OUT" connect to the Genie, or do I use one of the yellow "OUT's" for the Genie and for my subsequent C31 connections?

Stuart Sweet

08-21-2013, 07:14 PM

The red port is used to pass power from a SWM power inserter. If you aren't using it for that purpose, you can connect a Genie DVR or client to it. In other words, unless you are using that splitter with a power inserter, it doesn't matter whether you connect to a red or yellow port.